SHELLEY College has become the first school in Kirklees to launch a scheme to reward pupils' good behaviour.

The scheme - entitled Positive Behaviour - was launched at the start of term after 12 months of planning and consultation with students, parents and staff.

Schools have rewarded good behaviour informally for years - but Shelley College is the first school in Kirklees to develop an official system.

David Wadsworth, assistant head of pastoral care, said: "It is all about recognising an rewarding the students.

"We think it is going well. The atmosphere of the school and behaviour of students is more positive.

"There are sanctions for students that don't adhere to the rules. But because students want rewards, the amount of negative incidents has already dropped."

Under the system each school staff member will have their own individual ink stamp.

If a student does something good, the staff member will stamp their planner.

Stamps are given for things such as good work, respectful attitude, complying with school dress code and good attendance.

At the end of each week, pupils have a positive behaviour lesson with their form tutor where they count up their stamps.

Five stamps equal a credit.

When pupils get 50 credits, they get a bronze certificate.

A hundred credits equals silver, 150 is gold, 200 is platinum and 250 is diamond.

Certificates are given out in positive behaviour lessons by senior staff members.

During the lessons, the form tutor will choose the two pupils they consider the best of the week.

These pupils will then be sent to see a member of the school's senior leadership team.

That person will then consider all the pupils sent to them and choose two to send to the headteacher for praise.

At the end of each half-term, subject teachers will send out congratulatory postcards to the pupils they think have done well in certain areas.

Form tutors will also telephone the parents of pupils in their group who have excelled.

Every November, the students with the most certificates and credits will receive special awards at the school's annual GCSE results ceremony at the Galpharm Stadium.

The scheme has gone down well with pupils.

Year 10 student David Flood said: "The school has changed for the better. The classes I am in are working very hard to get the different stamps and credits."

Bethany Lockwood, who is in Year 9, said: "Shelley is a great place to be. The pupils and teachers have a positive attitude towards each other. I really think I will develop and flourish in this environment."

Tori Cookson is a Year 10 student.

She said: "I have seen a big difference in people's behaviour during lessons.

"Everybody works hard so they can get a stamp. When I receive a stamp, I feel good about my work and want to keep improving.

"The classroom atmosphere has definitely changed."